STA, 23 March 2021 - The National Assembly has unanimously passed changes to the pension legislation allowing for faster increase in pensions. In line with the changes, the transitional period for equalising the pension rate for men and women will end two years sooner than originally planned, on 1 January 2023.
The pension rate for persons with 40 years of pensionable service will be increased to 63.5% of the long-term average wage for both men and women.
The current rate for men is 57.25%. The 63.5% rate already applies to women, but if it were not for the amendments it would drop.
The changes had been proposed by the opposition Alenka Bratušek Party (SAB) and backed by the coalition.
In line with an amendment proposed by the coalition and the Pensioners' Party (DeSUS), the lowest pension this year will be set at 29.5% of the minimum pension base and then adjusted the same way as pensions. The lowest pension will thus amount to EUR 280.
The guaranteed pension for 40 years of service will rise from EUR 581 to EUR 620, while the minimum disability pension will be set at 41% of the minimum pension base, or just over EUR 388.
An amendment filed by the opposition Left, which would raise the minimum pension to EUR 442, to match the minimal monthly costs, was rejected as a populist move that is unjust to those who have worked longer.
